The expression of PHB2 in the cochlea: Possible relation to age‐related hearing loss

Age‐related hearing loss (ARHL) is the most prevalent sensory deficit in the elderly, but its mechanism remains unclear. Scaffold protein prohibitin 2 (PHB2) has been widely involved in aging and neurodegeneration. However, the role of PHB2 in ARHL is undeciphered to date. To investigate the expression pattern and the role of PHB2 in ARHL, we used C57BL/6 mice and HEI‐OC1 cell line as models. In our study, we have found PHB2 exists in the cochlea and is expressed in hair cells, spiral ganglion neurons, and HEI‐OC1 cells. In mice with ARHL, mitophagy is reduced and correspondingly the expression level of PHB2 is decreased. Moreover, after H2O2 treatment the mitophagy is activated and the PHB2 expression is increased. These findings indicate that PHB2 may exert an important role in ARHL through mitophagy. Findings from this study will be helpful for elucidating the mechanism underlying the ARHL and for providing a new target for ARHL treatment.